'Unexpected Companions' Buffy And Beemer: Huntington Adoptable Pets Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Buffy, 8 weeks old, and Beemer, 9 weeks old, are the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pets of the Week.

"In the whirlwind world of animal rescue, some stories stand out not just for the heartbreak they begin with, but for the joy and resilience they end up radiating," said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter. "Meet Buffy and Beemer...two kittens rescued in completely different circumstances, about 10 days apart, who’ve since become the most unexpected of companions."

Buffy, the "dumpster diva," at 8 weeks old) cried for help, with her calls echoing through an industrial park, coming from near a dumpster where she had been abandoned: alone, hungry, and desperate, Larkin said.

"Her unmistakable 'tabico' coat — a unique blend of tabby and calico patterns — made her stand out, but it was her voice and spirit that truly captured hearts," Larkin said. "A kind soul heard her screams and couldn’t ignore them. Buffy was scooped up and brought to safety. Petite in size but enormous in personality, Buffy quickly proved that she was no shrinking violet. She thrives on human affection and has zero tolerance for being ignored. If you’re not giving her attention, she’ll take matters into her own paws by climbing straight up your leg and torso until she’s perched triumphantly on your shoulders, purring like a tiny chainsaw."

And while she loves a good cuddle, Buffy is also a bold adventurer, according to Larkin.

"The moment a door opens, she’s gone in a flash, speeding off like she’s been shot out of a cannon," she said. "When her companion walks by, she’ll launch herself off any surface: desk, shelf, couch in order to tackle him in a spontaneous wrestling match. And when she’s not roughhousing or racing, you’ll find her spinning on the cat exercise wheel, burning off kitten energy like a feline athlete in training."

Roughly 10 days after Buffy was rescued, Beemer’s life took a dramatic turn. Beemer, the "engine stowaway," was discovered tucked away inside the engine of a BMW at a local train station, "greasy, frightened, and dangerously close to disaster," Larkin said.

His rescuer, alarmed by the tiny mews coming from under the hood, worked carefully to get him out of his unlikely hiding spot.

"Beemer, a sleek and handsome dark tabby, is more reserved than his whirlwind of a companion," Larkin said. "He’s not one for being picked up, but he appreciates affection, cautiously on his own terms. When he’s ready, he’ll saunter over and nuzzle you for head scratches, stretching out contentedly beside you once trust is earned."

While Buffy is bold and bouncy, Beemer has taken a more focused approach to fitness, Larkin said.

"He’s training like he’s got a marathon on the calendar, often seen powering away at full tilt on the exercise wheel, matching Buffy stride for stride in their sibling rivalry," she said. "Despite their different beginnings and personalities, Buffy and Beemer have found comfort and joy in one another’s company. Though not from the same litter, their bond is unmistakable. They cuddle, play, and challenge each other in the best ways possible, balancing one another out like two halves of a perfectly mismatched duo."

Buffy brings the fearless energy; Beemer adds the cool calm, Larkin said.

"Together, they’ve gone from lonely little survivors to thriving, affectionate companions with a shared future that’s bright and full of playtime, purrs, and possibly a few more high-speed wrestling matches," she said.

Both Buffy and Beemer have tested negative for FELV and FIV, tested negative for parasites, have received two of their four vaccines, have been wormed and are litter box trained.

They are currently in foster care but should be entering the shelter at the end of September after they have been spayed and neutered and microchipped.

If you are interested in meeting Buffy and Beemer, you may call the shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the Facebook page or visit at the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

The rescue is at 3 Verleye Ave., East Northport, and visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The shelter is also open from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights only for those who cannot make it during the daytime hours.

"These two kittens are a testament to the power of rescue, resilience, and unexpected friendship and also to the humans who heard their cries and gave them a chance to shine," Larkin said. "Adopt, Rescue, Love. There’s a Buffy and Beemer out there waiting for someone just like you."